Case by Case: Nebraska vs Illinois Week 0 Preview

Nebraska’s Case:

There really is no question the Huskers are the more talented team and have out recruited, really the entire West division for years. With the results that have followed that means coaching and development have lacked the recruiting, and this is a big game for Scott Frost to gain some momentum for this veteran team. Illinois beat Nebraska in 2020 at home but Nebraska nearly gave up 17 points via 5 turnovers. Nebraska returns a veteran secondary and deep defensive line to make stopping the run a priority in the Big Ten. This team goes as Adrian Martinez does and practice reports rave about his consistency, leadership, and the way he has slimmed down and taken care of his body this offseason. Adrian hardly played against Illinois in 2020 but has had over 790 yards and 7 total TDs in two games vs Illinois (2018 and 2019). If Adrian Martinez can return to 2018 form this offense finally has the weapons to capitalize. Samori Toure brings experience and talent to a wide receiver group that is rather unproven heading into 2021. Omar Manning and Zavier Betts have exciting potential but do not forget about Oliver Martin climbing the depth chart. The tight ends are said to be more involved in 2021, and captain Austin Allen can make some NFL noise with a big season. Nebraska has highly touted prospects across the offensive line along with one of the best centers in the conference in Cam Jurgens. The offense struggled heavily in 2020 but with Adrian set in stone as starter with a new group of talent to throw to, the offense has the potential to play to the talent level that is top 5 in the conference. Illinois will be bringing Big Ten vet Brett Bielema to the table but the transition from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defense is difficult, especially in year 1. Just from the standpoint of having the right body types or personnel to play the 3-4, it is not something you can often overcome immediately. Illinois did bring in Miami transfer Brian Hightower, but outside of him the talent at pass catcher is not plentiful for Brandon Peters. If Nebraska can stop the run and make Illinois one dimensional this could be a long night for the Illini.

Illinois Case:

Screw talent right? Illinois came into Memorial Stadium in Lincoln in 2020 and ran through the Huskers to the tune of 41-23. This was also coming from a Lovie Smith team that was not very multiple on defense and was fired that same season. Chase Brown is elusive and via camp reports, has even gained some weight to withstand being an every down back in the Big Ten. Brown doesn’t need to carry the ball 30 times a game as they also have Mike Epstein, but they both ran all over in Lincoln in 2020. Illinois also returns a veteran offensive line and quarterback in Brandon Peters, who has been in college for 20 years now(supposedly). They also return veteran linebacker Jake Hansen who has helped force Nebraska to a -7-turnover margin against Illinois the last three years. While Nebraska has a lot of depth on the defensive line heading into 2021, this offensive line pushed Nebraska off the ball consistently in 2020 and were simply the tougher and more physical team. Bielema had some great success versus Nebraska while at Wisconsin and has also said to bring some more technical things, like clock management, from his recent stint in the NFL. Illinois has the running back staple, offensive line, and experienced quarterback to run the ball effectively and control the clock to a win at home. Nebraska is in year 4 with Scott Frost and desperately need a win to build momentum whereas Illinois is in “Year 0” of a new head coach with scheme changes and a veteran team. All the pressure will be on Nebraska to show up and part of their issues in the past have been with mental mistakes. Bielema has also kept things under wraps in the spring and fall to surprise the Huskers on both offense and defense. Even the spring game for Illinois was a very vanilla 3-4 defense. If Illinois can create some early momentum they have the personnel to control the clock the rest of the way.

Final Verdict:

Nebraska enters this game as a 7-point favorite and was even originally opened as a 9-point favorite. It’s hard to trust Scott Frost and the Huskers but you must assume they understand what is at stake to come out as disciplined as possible in Week 0. While the 2020 Illinois win was hardly a fluke, the very first play of that game was a mess and Nebraska never really recovered. By all accounts this Nebraska team is very focused and ready to prove everyone wrong about this team given recent record. Nebraska has a lot to prove, but there is also tangible evidence for why fans are so excited for this group of guys. The schedule is tough so in terms of wins, a bowl game is the goal but with the influx of talent on offense this team has a chip on their shoulder. Illinois will have an advantage with their OL vs Nebraska’s DL, but ultimately I think Illinois will be making up too much ground defensively to pull this win out. As they showed in 2020, it can be done, and the surprise factor is very real for the Illini. Nebraska has too many weapons on offense and as per usual Week 0, we will see some sloppy play. I predict a 37-23 Nebraska win with some late points from Nebraska to make it seem less close than it really was. Nebraska has a good staple of running backs and isn’t afraid to run with the quarterback. That coupled with lack of depth on the Illinois defensive line, could lead to a gassed Illinois defense coming into the 4th quarter.